2014-05-19 06.03.47

I’m a big Joyce Meyer fan.

She doesn’t tiptoe around the truth.

She says it like it is and doesn’t leave room for any excuses.

When I’m struggling with something or need a good kick in the pants, I’ll often listen to a series of her messages because I know I’ll walk away feeling challenged and empowered to face what’s ahead of me.

I have one of Joyce’s calendars hanging in my writing room, and the quote above really spoke to me this morning.

 Especially as I was thinking about the fact that testing starts this week in our school district and a lot of students and teachers are feeling stressed.

“A positive attitude enables you to make the best of every situation, and that gives you POWER OVER YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES instead of allowing your circumstances to have power over you.  The more positive you are, the more powerful you’ll be.”  Joyce Meyer

If I could say one thing to anyone who feels

nervous,

inadequate,

unsure,

anxious,

overwhelmed,

or weary this morning,

it would be this:

THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS ANYWAY!!!

WHY?

Because a positive attitude is powerful!!

A positive attitude empowers!

A positive attitude turns the toughest day into an opportunity for God to work in mighty ways.

I have struggled my whole life with my emotions.

I can get down easily even when things are going well, so when things are difficult it doesn’t take a lot for me to land in an unpleasant place.

I am slowly learning that I have more power than I ever dreamed I have.

I can overcome obstacles.

I can walk in grief with victory.

I can face stressful days with a smile.

How?

By choosing to think positive thoughts.

By turning to Him for help.

In Sunday School yesterday morning, we studied Deuteronomy 33:26,

There is no one like the God of Jeshurun,

who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty.

I love this image.

God riding across the Heavens to help me and you!

How can we have a negative attitude when the God of the Universe is willing to ride across the heavens to help us?!?!

Today, face whatever lies ahead of you with a happy heart!

He loves you!!

AND

He’s got this!!!

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Phil 4:13

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Phil. 4:8